CROSS-COUNTRY SKI NEAR NYC – 5 GREAT LOCATIONS
By Avi David Edelson Owner of Traverse (Make sure to check out Traverse for rental gear in NYC!)
Just because you’re a New Yorker doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a day of cross-country skiing in the solitude of nature. From November through March parks and outdoor recreation centers across the region open their facilities to skiers of all skill level. Whether you’re looking for a groomed surface, or just some marked trails, you’ll find a range of cross-country ski terrain to suite your interest and ability.
Palisades Interstate Park – 5 miles from NYC – www.njpalisades.org – 201-768-1360 – Ski Rental, No – Snowshoe Rental, No – Groomed Terrain, No
Just minutes from New York City, the Palisades offers skiers a remarkably quiet and serene location to lay down some tracks. From the parking lot at State Line Lookout, you’ll have access to 5+ miles of designated cross-country ski trail. And if there’s enough snow on the ground, feel free to access any trail within the park. The park recommends, however, that you scout any trail prior to heading out.
Fahnestock Winter Park – 60 miles from NYC – Fahnestock website – 845-225-3998 – Ski Rental, Yes – Snowshoe Rental, Yes – Groomed Terrain, Yes
Encompassing the valley that feeds Canopus Lake, Clarence Fahnestock State Park and the Fahnestock Winter Park boasts more than 10 miles of groomed terrain. With its wide trails, and designated cross-country tracks, Fahnestock is a popular destination for both classic and skate skiers. The park also offers an extensive trail system for snowshoers. After your trek make sure to visit their Lodge and outdoor fire ring, which are both located adjacent to the main parking lot.
Ward Pond Ridge Reservation – 60 miles from NYC – Ward Pond website – 914-864-7317 – Ski Rental, No – Snowshoe Rental, No – Groomed Terrain , No
Situated in the heart of Westchester, the 4700-acre Ward Pond Reservation is a surprisingly vast wilderness for its proximity to the city. And, with its 40+ miles of managed trail, the cross-country skier will find much to explore. For suggestions on skiing, stop by the park office on Reservation Road.
Mohonk Mountain House – 90 miles from NYC – www.mohonk.com – 855-883-3798 – Ski Rental, Yes – Snowshoe Rental, Yes – Groomed Terrain, Yes
Looking for a more refined cross-country ski experience? Consider stopping by the Mohonk Mountain House for a day of sophisticated outdoor recreation. Set within the Mohonk Preserve, the Mountain House is a private facility that offers all the creature comforts of a traditional ski lodge. Including top-notch accommodations and a day spa, the Mountain House is great for splurging on a weekend getaway. And with their 30 miles of groomed trail, there is a lot to explore without ever having to leave the grounds.
Minnewaska State Park – 96 miles from NYC – Minnewaska website – 845-255-0752 – Ski Rental, No – Snowshoe Rental, Yes – Groomed Terrain, No
With more than 35 miles of carriageway and 25 miles of trail, Minnewaska State Park affords skiers an expansive networks of terrain to explore when the conditions are right. Our suggestion: wait till there are more than 8 inches on the ground as the carriage roads are likely to be patchy with less. And, make sure to stop by Awosting Falls before leaving the park; the buildup of ice on its 30-foot sheer face is quite impressive.
Looking to go a bit further afield? Consider Lapland Lake – Northville, NY. Located in the foothills of the Adirondacks, the nordic vacation center is a haven for serious cross-country skiers.